Is Fish Haven, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
Fish Haven, ID — Water Quality Report
Fish Haven's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 49 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fish Haven's water
Fish Haven ranks #37 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fish Haven relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Fish Haven may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fish Haven, ID water safe to drink?
Fish Haven's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fish Haven
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fish Haven's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fish Haven's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fish Haven's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bear Lake County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Bear Lake, Mud Lake At Causeway Breach.
Where does Fish Haven's water come from?
Fish Haven's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Lake (lake), Mud Lake At Causeway Breach (lake).
What Fish Haven residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fish Haven's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBear Lake County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Bear Lake County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fish Haven compares by contaminant
Explore where Fish Haven ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fish Haven's water comes from
Fish Haven's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Fish Haven
Fish Haven is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fish Haven
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FISH HAVEN PIPELINE COMPANY | ID6040011 | 400 | GW |
| CANYON ESTATES WATER SYSTEM | ID6040045 | 50 | GW |
| BEAR LAKE WEST POA | ID6040044 | 300 | GW |
How Fish Haven compares
Full Idaho rankings →Fish Haven's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fish Haven's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bear Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Fish Haven, ID tap water safe to drink?
Fish Haven's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Fish Haven's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Fish Haven's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Fish Haven?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fish Haven's water come from?
Fish Haven's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Fish Haven's water system had?
Fish Haven has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fish Haven's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fish Haven uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 49 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Fish Haven's water compare to other cities?
Fish Haven ranks #37 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 73% of state cities) and #3844 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.